WASHINGTON - Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment (EI&E) Todd Schafer traveled to several locations in the Navy's Southeast Region from June 2-5.
Schafer traveled to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Panama City in Florida on June 3. He recognized six Sailors and civilians for their safety achievements in reporting risks and preventing mishaps.
During this visit, Schafer toured the installation and engaged with leaders on the next steps to recovery from Hurricanes Michael and Sally. He also toured a Public-Private Venture housing unit, the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division.
Later in the afternoon, Schafer stopped at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD). He recognized the command for their selection as the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) Activity High Risk Training Safety Awardee for Fiscal Year 2020. He also presented the NETC Dale Ault Civilian Safety Professional Award to Mr. Paul Gurisko, NAVSCOLEOD Safety Manager.
"I'm very impressed by how much these sites contribute to readiness," said Schafer. "The teams assigned to NSA Panama City and NAVSCOLEOD are small, but their impact on special warfare and on the Joint world is widespread. Both commands are doing a great job."
Schafer visited Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola on June 4 where he was briefed on the challenges of running a training base with aging infrastructure. Schafer toured the installation, viewed damage caused by Hurricane Sally, and inspected the renovations to Building 633, the site of an active shooter event in December 2019 that killed three service members.
"December 6 was a tragic day for the United States Navy," said Schafer. "I am grateful for the heroism of our on-base personnel, as well as our law enforcement partners in Escambia County that selflessly intervened during this heinous attack. The renovated Building 633 will be a fitting tribute to those who fell and to the survivors who will never forget that day."
Schafer traveled to Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. June 5 where he gave remarks at a christening ceremony for the future Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) USS Canberra (LCS 30).
"In my current job, as the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment, I have the opportunity to see the impact and power of basing United States Marines with Australian forces in Darwin," said Schafer. "The alliance between our two nations makes the world a safer place; an alliance that will only become stronger with the addition of this new Independence Class Littoral Combat Ship."
